Deans spoilt for choice, but strategy will dictate picks

With the Lions series fast approaching and the highly charged Reds v Brumbies game doubling as a virtual Wallabies trial, Fairfax Media looks at five key Test positions.

1. Fullback.

There were a handful of big movers at the weekend, none more so than Jesse Mogg. The Brumbies No.15 answered a few questions about his physicality with determined defence on his own line and lit up the game scooting through traffic. Israel Folau was tremendous against the Chiefs but there is always something that puts him in the risk bracket for Test elevation - on Friday it was his defence. He was furious with himself for letting Gareth Anscombe escape for a try. The No.14 jersey might be his best bet if he continues to progress.

2. No.12.

Christian Lealiifano was the form No.12 at the weekend, although his ability to switch roles with Matt Toomua against the Reds would have pleased the Wallabies, because they are looking at him for No.10. Ben Tapuai did not have his best game against the Brumbies but Rob Horne was solid. For all the criticism of Pat McCabe's play, he brought a directness that would have been noted in high places. This berth, which will be also affected by Robbie Deans' choices at No.10 and No.15, is more open than most.

3. Blindside breakaway.

Ben Mowen is the form No.6/No.8 in the country. His outstanding lineout attributes and leadership qualities make him perfect for the blindside position. Others were ahead of him in the queue last year, and Dave Dennis has been building into a season which this year also comes with the extra demands of captaincy. But Mowen's blindside dash from a first-half scrum against the Reds, coupled with his calm demeanour in the intense Suncorp cauldron - at odds with the verbal approach to the referee from certain players not even wearing the captain's armband - were two more ticks in an already impressive season.

4. Openside breakaway.

This position might not be that available, because when Deans sits down with George Smith this week, they won't be discussing the weather. But the compelling form of the three contenders - Smith, Liam Gill and Michael Hooper - at the weekend indicates selection will come down to game plans. Smith brings the most balanced combination between ball-carrying skills and physicality, although Gill has some of that in his locker too, with the Reds repeatedly using him as a lineout target - something that probably does not apply to Hooper. Yet the Waratah had his most influential game of the season against the Chiefs, and has that raw pace. Perhaps the tea leaves point to the Wallabies starting with Smith to weather the Lions' initial storm, with Hooper on the bench to lift the tempo in the final 20 to 30 minutes. It's a brutal three-Test series. All three are likely to be called upon at some stage.

5. Loose-head prop.

The Lions' Adam Jones is probably the most technically difficult tight-head prop in the world to handle. If the Wallabies throw in a No.1 against the Welshman who isn't primarily a scrummager, whatever fleet-footed back-line they assemble is unlikely to get the ball they want. Benn Robinson is still the best set-piece practitioner in Australia, even though his work rate around the paddock does not compare to leaner, newer models. Cast your mind back to Twickenham last year and the look on the much-trumpeted Dan Cole's face as he failed to get a cent out of the stocky Waratah at scrum time. The front-rowers who started that day - Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Ben Alexander - are probably still in possession of the Wallabies jerseys numbered one to three.